Listening Multiple Choice: The Synonym Strategy

Enter the synonym strategy.

This approach focuses on recognizing synonyms and paraphrased expressions in the audio and answer choices. \

So, how does this synonym strategy work?

Well, it’s all about expanding your vocabulary and recognizing different ways to express the same idea.

The IELTS often uses synonyms or rephrases information from the audio in the answer choices.

By being aware of this, you can better match what you hear to the correct option.

Here’s a simple way to approach this:

First, as you read the question and answer choices, try to think of synonyms for key words. This primes your brain to recognize these alternative expressions when you hear them.

Next, when listening to the audio, pay close attention to words or phrases that express similar meanings to those in the question and choices.

These might be the clues you need.

Finally, when selecting your answer, consider which option best matches the meaning of what you heard, not just the exact words.

7 different scenarios

Job Application Scenario

Question: What quality is the employer looking for in candidates?

A) Creativity B) Punctuality C) Flexibility

In the audio, you might hear: “We need someone who can adapt to changing situations easily.”

Here, “adapt to changing situations” is a synonym for “flexibility,” leading you to choose option C.

Travel Scenario

Question: What does the speaker suggest bringing on the trip?

A) Warm clothes B) Hiking boots C) Camping gear

The audio might say: “Don’t forget to pack some thermal wear, as it can get quite chilly at night.”

In this case, “thermal wear” is a synonym for “warm clothes,” pointing to option A.

Education Scenario

Question: What skill does the professor emphasize for the course?

A) Memorization B) Critical thinking C) Public speaking

You might hear: “In this class, it’s crucial that you can analyze information and form your own opinions.”

Here, “analyze information and form your own opinions” is a paraphrase for “critical thinking,” making B the correct choice.

Environmental Scenario

Question: What is the main concern about the new factory?

A) Noise pollution B) Air quality C) Water contamination

In the audio, you might hear: “Local residents are worried that the factory’s emissions could significantly impact the purity of the atmosphere in the surrounding area.”

Here, “emissions” and “purity of the atmosphere” are paraphrased expressions for “air quality,” leading you to choose option B.

Technology Scenario

Question: What feature of the new smartphone did customers appreciate most?

A) Battery life B) Camera quality C) Screen size

The audio might say: “Users were particularly impressed by how long the device could function between charges.”

In this case, “function between charges” is a paraphrased expression for “battery life,” pointing to option A.

Health and Fitness Scenario

Question: What does the fitness expert recommend for beginners?

A) Intense workouts B) Gradual progression C) Specialized equipment

You might hear: “For those just starting out, it’s crucial to increase the difficulty of your exercises slowly and steadily over time.”

Here, “increase the difficulty slowly and steadily” is a paraphrase for “gradual progression,” making B the correct choice.

Cultural Event Scenario

Question: What aspect of the festival surprised the speaker most?

A) The variety of food B) The traditional costumes C) The number of attendees

The audio might include: “I was astounded by the sheer multitude of people who showed up for the event. The turnout was beyond my wildest expectations.”

In this example, “multitude of people” and “turnout” are synonyms for “number of attendees,” indicating that C is the correct answer.

You might find it helpful to read articles or listen to podcasts on TED Talks, actively looking for synonyms and different ways to express ideas.

The more you expose yourself to varied English vocabulary, the better you’ll become at recognizing synonyms during the test.

This synonym strategy can be a real game-changer for your IELTS Listening performance, especially in those tricky Multiple Choice questions.

I’m really curious to hear about your experiences with IELTS Listening Multiple Choice questions.

Have you noticed the use of synonyms before? Take a look at also Prediction Strategy in Listening

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